Bill Offers Options on Defensive Driving School

(State Capitol, Phoenix) Drivers ticketed for a moving violation would have expanded choices to erase the infraction from their record through increased opportunities to attend defensive driving school. HB2001, sponsored by House Speaker Jim Weiers, allows drivers who qualify for defensive driving school to take the course at any state-sanctioned school. Current law allows local jurisdictions to offer a limited number of options to ticketed drivers. "We can improve consumer options and increase the number of people who take defensive driving courses," Speaker Weiers said. "The current system is based on protectionism where one school may get a contract with the local courts and the public gets no choice." The Arizona Supreme Court approves schools and local courts often sign contracts giving exclusive deals to various schools. Under HB2001, a person who qualifies for defensive driving can take the course from any school approved by the state Supreme Court. That makes it easier for people out of state to complete defensive driving classes and even those who receive tickets in counties other than where they live. The bill is in the Senate and awaiting floor action before coming to the House for final approval.